Zipper systems for infant sleepwear

ABSTRACT

Two individual zipper systems for infant&#39;s and children&#39;s clothing such as onesies and sleepwear include a straight zipper system and a curved zipper system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/058,063 filed Jun. 2, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1: is a front orthographic view of the invention 10.

FIG. 1A: is a detailed view of the neckline shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B: is a detailed view of the left ankle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2: is a second alternative, front orthographic view of the invention 10.

FIG. 3: is a third alternative, front orthographic view of the invention 10.

FIG. 3A: is a detailed view of the left ankle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4: is a fourth alternative, front orthographic view of the invention 10.

DESCRIPTION LIST

-   10: is the overall invention. -   12: is the one piece garment. -   14: are the infant pants. -   16: is the blanket sleepwear. -   18: is the two way zipper. -   20: is the one way zipper. -   22: is the protective fabric flap with snap closure. -   23: is the protective fabric cover. -   24: is the separating end of a zipper track. -   26: is the top zipper pull. -   28: is the bottom zipper pull. -   30: is the closed end of a zipper track. -   32: is the closed end without a protective fabric flap. -   34: is the left ankle of the garment. -   36: is the right ankle of the garment. -   38: is the neckline of the garment. -   40: is the crotch of the garment. -   42: is the zipper track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is two individual zipper systems for infant and children's clothing. The first system, I will call the “Straight Zip” system, and the second system, I will call the “Curved Zip” system.

The “Straight Zip” system comprises the following elements:

-   -   Infant or children's one piece footed sleeper 12 or other         garment, washable or dry clean only fabric, preferably washable         fabric such as cotton, nylon, polyester, or blends of the         aforementioned, or fire resistant material per US Consumer         Products Safety Commission guidelines     -   Custom two way zipper 18, that is, one zipper track 42 with two         zipper pulls 26 and 28 originating at opposite ends and opening         from opposite ends and comprising one separating end 24 and one         closed end 30.     -   A protective fabric flap 22, with a snap or Velcro closure, at         the neckline 38 where the first or top zipper pull 26 rests at a         separating end 24.     -   A protective fabric cover 23, at the ankle where the second or         bottom zipper pull 28 rests at a closed end 30 at the left ankle         34.

These elements are related as follows: As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the one piece garment 12, commonly known as a footed sleeper, incorporates a custom, two way zipper 18 along the front towards the left side. This custom, two way zipper 18 is comprised of one zipper track 42 with two zipper pulls 26 and 28 originating at opposite ends and opening from opposite ends. One zipper pull 26 originates and separates at the middle front of neckline 38. The zipper pull 26 unzips and opens from the top of the garment 12 down to the left ankle 34 meeting the second zipper pull 28. The zipper pull 26 will reverse direction and close back to the neckline 38. The zipper pull 26 enables the zipper track 42 to completely separate at the neckline 38 or separating end 24; i.e. in the same manner as a jacket or hooded sweatshirt zipper. The second zipper pull 28 originates approximately one inch upward from the bottom of the left ankle 34 of the garment. This end of the zipper track 42 is a closed end 30; known in the industry as a closed bottom, and will not separate. The zipper pull 28 travels on the same zipper track 42 as the first or top zipper pull 26. The zipper pull 28 will open the two way zipper 18 by pulling up towards the neckline 38, while the closed end 30, where the zipper track42 originates, will remain together; i.e. the zipper end of a V-neck zipper on a pull over sweatshirt. Once closed and reversed back to its original position, the zipper pull 28 will stop and rest at a closed end 30. A protective fabric flap 22 is located at the neckline 38 where the first or top zipper pull 26 rests. The protective flap 22 is a rectangular or square piece of fabric that is the same material as the garment 12. The protective flap 22 opens to allow access to the zipper pull 26. The protective flap bridges the zipper track 42. The protective flap 22 is sewn to the garment 12 on its right side and has a snap closure or Velcro closure on its left side to enable the caregiver access. The protective fabric flap 22 is used to cover the zipper pull 26 so it is not exposed and accessible by the infant. An additional protective fabric cover 23 is located at the left ankle end 34 where the second zipper pull 28 rests and the zipper track 42 terminates at the closed end 30. The protective fabric cover 23 is a rectangular or square piece of fabric made of the same material as the garment 12. The protective fabric cover 23 is sewn to the garment 12 on its right and left side, but not at its top or bottom ends. The protective fabric cover remains open at its top and bottom ends to enable the caregiver to reach in a finger to either push up or pull up the zipper pull 28. The protective fabric cover 23 bridges the zipper track 42. The protective fabric cover 23 is used to keep the zipper pull 28 from being exposed to and accessible by the infant. The protective fabric cover 23 will allow access of one adult finger. The protective fabric cover 23 will extend far enough, e.g., one inch, past the closed end 30 of zipper pull 28 at the top and bottom so that it is not easily reached by an infant's fingers.

Further, this invention 10 may also be used on additional infant and children's garments including, but not limited to, as shown in FIG. 2, a blanket sleeper 16, and not shown, non-footed pajamas, and coveralls or one piece rompers not intended for sleepwear.

It should be further noted, the protective fabric cover 23 at the left ankle end 34 may be replaced by a protective fabric flap 22 with a snap or Velcro closure. The protective fabric cover 23 may also be replaced by a protective fabric pocket, wherein the piece of rectangular or square fabric is sewn on its right and left side and on its bottom end. One or both of the protective fabric flap 22 and protective fabric cover 23 may be eliminated. The protective fabric flap 22 and protective fabric cover 23 are recommended and described herein as a safety feature to keep the zipper pulls 26 and 28 from being possible choking hazards when exposed to and accessible by the infant.

It should be further noted, the two way zipper 18 described on the garment 12 indicates the closed end 30 at the left ankle 34. However, this two way zipper 18 may be designed to have the closed end 30 on the right side ankle 36.

It should be further noted, the weight, size, brand and material of the two way zipper 18 depends on the fabric used in each garment design. It is for that reason that these specifics are not indicated.

Finally, the two way zipper 18 described in this invention is not readily available, but is used on some clothing and other items. Depending on the garment specifications, this two way zipper 18 will need to be custom made. The invention 10 is the manner in which this two way zipper 18 is being described for specific use on the infant sleeper 12, blanket sleeper 16 and additional garments listed, but not shown.

The “Curved Zip” System comprises the following elements:

Infant or children's pants 14 or other garment, washable or dry clean only fabric, preferably washable fabric such as cotton, nylon, polyester, or blends of the aforementioned, or fire resistant material per US Consumer Products Safety Commission guidelines.

Common one way zipper 20, that is, one zipper track 42 with one zipper pull 28 and opening from one end only, but comprising two closed ends 30 and 32.

A protective fabric cover 23, at the left ankle 34 where the zipper pull 28 rests at the closed end 30.

These elements are related as follows: As shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the garment commonly known as infant and children's pants 14 or bottoms, incorporates a common one way zipper 20, which is, one zipper track 42 with one zipper pull 28 and opening from one end only at the left ankle 34 and comprised of two closed ends 30 and 32. The zipper pull 28 originates approximately one inch upward from the bottom of garment's 14 left side ankle 34. This closed end 30 of the zipper track 42 will not separate. The zipper pull 28 rests at the left side ankle 34 when the one way zipper 20 is in the closed position. The zipper pull 28 unzips and opens from the left side ankle 34, up through the crotch 40 and to approximately one inch upward of the right side ankle 36. Each ankle end is a closed end 30 and 32, that is, it will not separate; i.e. in the same manner as a zipper on a duffel bag. A protective fabric cover 23 is located at the left side ankle 34 where the zipper pull 28 rests. The protective fabric cover 23 is a rectangular or square piece of fabric made of the same material as the garment 14. The protective fabric cover 23 is sewn to the garment 14 on its right and left side, but not at top and bottom ends. The protective fabric cover remains open at its top and bottom ends to enable the caregiver to reach in a finger to either push up or pull up the zipper pull 28. The protective fabric cover 23 bridges the zipper track 42. The protective fabric cover 23 is used to keep the zipper pull 28 from being exposed to and accessible by the infant. The protective fabric cover 23 will allow access of one adult finger. The protective fabric cover 23 will extend far enough past the closed end 30 of zipper pull 28 at the top and bottom so that it is not easily reached by an infant's fingers.

Further, this invention 10 may also be used on any type of infant and children's garments regardless of material, including, but not limited to, as shown in FIG. 4 a one-piece footed or non-footed sleeper, and not shown, coveralls, overalls and one piece rompers not intended for sleepwear. If used on a one piece garment 12, this one way zipper 20 is located on the leg or pant portion of the garment 12. The top half or chest portion of the garment might incorporate, but is not limited to, an additional, i.e., second, one way zipper 20 originating at the neckline 38 and ending with a closed end 32 at the mid-chest of the garment 12, or snaps originating at the neckline 38 and ending mid-chest.

It should be further noted, the protective fabric cover 23 at the closed end 30 of the left ankle 34 may be replaced by a protective fabric flap 22 with a snap or Velcro closure. The protective fabric cover 23 may also be replaced by a protective fabric pocket, wherein the piece of rectangular or square fabric is sewn on its right and left side and on its bottom end. The protective fabric cover 23 may be eliminated. The protective fabric cover 23 is recommended and described herein as a safety feature to keep the zipper pulls 26 and 28 from being possible choking hazards when exposed to and accessible by the infant.

It should be further noted, the weight, size, brand and material of the zipper 20 depends on the fabric used in each garment design. It is for that reason that these specifics are not indicated.

It should be further noted, the one way zipper 20 described on the garment 14 originates at the left ankle 34. However, this one way zipper 20 may also originate from the right side ankle 36.

Finally, the one way zipper 20 described in this invention 10 is readily available, and is used on many clothing and other items. The invention 10 is the manner in which this one way zipper 20 is being described for specific use on infant and children clothing listed.

The “Straight Zip” system is unique in that no other infant or children's one piece footed or non-footed sleeper, blanket sleeper, coveralls or one-piece rompers or other infant or children's garments, regardless of material, incorporate a two way zipper system. This two way zipper design is an improvement to traditional existing straight zippered and snapped sleepers, which allows for additional ease when changing the diaper on an infant or diaper age child. The separating zipper at the neckline enables the garment to be laid open, the infant or child placed on top of the garment in the opening, their arms and legs fitted easily into each arm and leg opening, then zipped or closed up. The unique and integral component of the “Straight Zip”, the additional zipper pull at the ankle, allows the caregiver the option of unzipping or opening the garment from the bottom end only. Changing a diaper becomes easier, and only the legs will be exposed. In conclusion, the traditional straight zipper from the neckline to the ankle on infant and children's garments lack an additional zipper pull at the ankle allowing the option of unzipping or opening the garment from the bottom end only. Additionally, a traditional snap system is cumbersome and difficult to align in an efficient manner, especially if the infant or child is moving during the diaper change. If the caregiver prefers midnight or early morning diaper changes, done in the dark so as not to stimulate the child, snaps are even harder to manage.

The “Curved Zip” system is unique in that no other infant or children's pants, one piece footed or non footed sleeper, blanket sleepers, coveralls or one-piece rompers, or other infant or children's garments, regardless of material, incorporate a zipper from one ankle to the opposite ankle through the crotch area. The “Curved zip” system is an improvement to traditional snapped leg and crotch sleepers, and other infant and children's garments, that allows for ease of diaper changing on an infant or diaper aged child. By replacing snapped leg and crotch closures with a single zipper from ankle to ankle, opening and closing of the garment for access to the diaper area becomes an efficient, more easily managed movement. In conclusion, the traditional snap system is cumbersome and difficult to use and align in an efficient manner when an infant or child is moving. Additionally, if the caregiver prefers midnight or early morning diaper changes, done in the dark so as not to stimulate the child, snaps are even harder to manage.

The embodiments hereinafter disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following description. Rather the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its teachings.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains. 

1. An article of children's or infant's clothing or sleepwear comprising: a fabric body having a neckline and an ankle area; and a zipper apparatus including: a track incorporated in the fabric body and extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being openable and being disposed at the neckline, the second end being closed and being disposed at the ankle area; and first and second independently moveable zipper pulls coupled to the track.
 2. The article of claim 1 wherein the zipper track is disposed on a front side of the fabric body.
 3. The article of claim 1 wherein the first zipper pull is configured to hold the first end of the track closed when the first zipper pull is disposed at the first end.
 4. The article of claim 1 wherein the zipper track is substantially linear.
 5. The article of claim 1 further comprising a fabric cover having: a first end attached to a first area of the fabric body; and a second end coupleable to a second area of the fabric body such that the fabric cover covers the first end of the track, the first and second areas of the fabric being disposed on opposite sides of the track.
 6. The article of claim 1 further comprising a fabric cover having: a first end attached to a first area of the fabric body; and a second end attached to a second area of the fabric body such that the fabric cover covers the second end of the track, the first and second areas of the fabric being disposed on opposite sides of the track.
 7. An article of children's or infant's clothing or sleepwear comprising: a fabric body having a neckline and an ankle area; a zipper apparatus including: a track incorporated in the fabric body and extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being openable and being disposed at the neckline, the second end being closed and being disposed at the ankle area; and first and second independently moveable zipper pulls coupled to the track; a first fabric cover having: a first end attached to a first area of the first fabric body; and a second end coupleable to a second area of the first fabric body such that the first fabric cover covers the first end of the track, the first and second areas of the fabric being disposed on opposite sides of the track; and a second fabric cover having: a first end attached to a third area of the fabric body; and a second end attached to a fourth area of the fabric body such that the second fabric cover covers the second end of the track, the third and fourth areas of the fabric being disposed on opposite sides of the track.
 8. The article of claim 7 wherein the zipper track is disposed on a front side of the fabric body.
 9. The article of claim 7 wherein the first zipper pull is configured to hold the first end of the track closed when the first zipper pull is disposed at the first end.
 10. The article of claim 7 wherein the zipper track is substantially linear.
 11. The article of claim 7 wherein the first fabric cover is configured to selectively allow access to the first zipper pull at the first end of the track.
 12. The article of claim 7 wherein the first and second ends of the second fabric cover comprise right and left side ends, the second fabric cover having top and bottom end that are unattached to the fabric body.
 13. The article of claim 12 wherein the second fabric cover and the fabric body define a channel therebetween, the channel being sized to receive therein only a single adult finger.
 14. The article of claim 12 wherein the top end of the second fabric cover is about one inch above the second end of the track, and the bottom end of the second fabric cover is about one inch below the second end of the track.
 15. The article of claim 7 wherein the first and second ends of the second fabric cover comprise right and left side ends, the second fabric cover having a top end unattached to the fabric body and a bottom end attached to the fabric body.
 16. An article of children's or infant's clothing or sleepwear comprising: a fabric body having first and second ankle areas and a crotch area; and a zipper apparatus including: a track incorporated in the fabric body and extending through the crotch area from a first end to a second end, the first end being closed and being disposed at the first ankle area, the second end being closed and being disposed at the second ankle area; and a zipper pull coupled to the track.
 17. The article of claim 16 further comprising a fabric cover having: a first end attached to a first area of the fabric body; and a second end coupleable to a second area of the fabric body such that the fabric cover covers the first end of the track, the first and second areas of the fabric being disposed on opposite sides of the track.
 18. The article of claim 17 wherein the fabric cover is configured to selectively allow access to the zipper pull at the first end of the track.
 19. The article of claim 17 wherein the first and second ends of the fabric cover comprise right and left side ends, the fabric cover having top and bottom end that are unattached to the fabric body.
 20. The article of claim 16 wherein the zipper apparatus includes a second track incorporated in the fabric body and extending between a first end and a second end, the first end being open and being disposed at a neckline, the second end being closed and being disposed at a midsection of the fabric body. 